The Ultimate Guide to Eurovision Song Contest (ESC) 2025 in Basel, Switzerland
The Eurovision Song Contest 2025 marks the 69th edition of Europe’s most celebrated musical competition. This year’s contest will be hosted in Basel, Switzerland, following Switzerland’s victory in Eurovision 2024 with the song The Code by Nemo.
Organized by the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) in collaboration with the Swiss Broadcasting Corporation (SRG SSR), the event will take place at the St. Jakobshalle arena. The contest will unfold over three nights:
- Semi-final 1: May 13, 2025
- Semi-final 2: May 15, 2025
- Grand Final: May 17, 2025
Eurovision 2025 Hosts & Presenters
Hosting this grand spectacle are Hazel Brugger and Sandra Studer, while Michelle Hunziker will join them for the grand final. The show will be under the direction of Martin Green, with Martin Österdahl as the executive supervisor.
Countries Participating in Eurovision 2025
A total of 37 countries will compete in Eurovision 2025, with Montenegro returning after a two-year absence. However, Moldova withdrew from the contest, citing financial challenges and concerns over the quality of its national selection.
Eurovision 2025 Location: Basel, Switzerland
The Eurovision 2025 venue, St. Jakobshalle, is a 12,400-seat arena renowned for hosting international music and sporting events. Located in Münchenstein, near Basel, the venue offers top-tier infrastructure to accommodate the large-scale production of Eurovision.
Side Events & Fan Experiences
To elevate the Eurovision experience, Basel will host several satellite events:
- Eurovision Village (Messe and Congress Center Basel): Featuring live performances, public screenings, and cultural showcases.
- EuroClub: The official after-party hub for artists and delegations.
- Turquoise Carpet Event (May 11, 2025): The glamorous pre-show gathering where artists walk the red carpet before the contest.
- Live Screening at St. Jakob-Park: The stadium will host a public viewing event with special performances from past Eurovision stars.
- Eurovision Street (Stäinevorstadt): A festive hub for Eurovision fans to celebrate the competition.
How Basel Won the Eurovision 2025 Bid
Following Switzerland’s Eurovision 2024 win, several cities vied for the honor of hosting Eurovision 2025. Notable contenders included Geneva, Zurich, Bern, and St. Gallen. After an extensive selection process by SRG SSR and the EBU, Basel was chosen as the official host city on August 30, 2024.
A public referendum held in November 2024 in Basel-Stadt approved the budget for hosting the event, with a 66.6% vote in favor. This solidified Basel’s position as the perfect host for Eurovision 2025.
What to Expect from Eurovision 2025
Eurovision Song Contest 2025 promises to be a spectacular event, bringing together top musical talents from across Europe and beyond. With a state-of-the-art venue, engaging side events, and a rich cultural backdrop, Basel is set to deliver an unforgettable Eurovision experience.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. When is Eurovision 2025?
- The contest will take place on May 13, 15, and 17, 2025.
2. Where is Eurovision 2025 being held?
- The event will be hosted at St. Jakobshalle, Basel, Switzerland.
3. How many countries are participating in Eurovision 2025?
- 37 countries are competing, with Montenegro returning and Moldova withdrawing.
4. Who are the hosts of Eurovision 2025?
- The event will be hosted by Hazel Brugger, Sandra Studer, and Michelle Hunziker (Grand Final only).
5. Where can I watch Eurovision 2025?
- The event will be broadcast live on TV and streamed online via eurovision.tv.
